Edmonton is a haven for foodies and festival buffs

Fans grooving at the Edmonton Folk Festival.

Photograph by: Ed Kaiser-
, Edmonton Journal

With more than 16 hours of daylight, moderate temperatures and a blissful lack of humidity, Edmonton is a terrific summer destination.

It's hard to stay inside in a city featuring kilometres of trails to explore in North America's largest urban parkland, great neighbourhoods for strolling and festivals celebrating everything from fine arts to fine food.

Among festival highlights are the Edmonton International Jazz Festival June 25 to July 4 (www.edmontonjazz.com),The Works Art & Design Festival until July 1 (www.theworks.ab.ca), Edmonton International Street Performers Festival July 9 to 18 (edmontonstreetfest.com),Capital Ex July 23 to Aug. 1 (www.capitalex.ca), A Taste of Edmonton July 23 to Aug. 1 (www.eventsedmonton.ca), Honda Indy Edmonton July 23 to 25 (www.edmontonindy.com), Servus Heritage Festival July 31 to Aug. 2 (www.heritage-festival.com), Edmonton Folk Music Festival Aug. 5 to 8 (www.efmf.ab.ca), and Edmonton International Fringe Festival Aug. 12 to 22 (www.fringetheatreadventures.ca). The Fringe takes place in Old Strathcona on the south side but at any time of the year Old Strathcona is also great place to shop in boutiques that sell everything from funky band-aids (The Tin Box at 10508 82 Avenue Northwest) to funkier footwear (Gravity Pope at 8220 104 Street Northwest).

In the evenings, the area is a magnet for people of all ages. For live music, try the Yardbird Suite or Blues on Whyte. For the simple joy of people watching, you can't beat the outdoor patios at O'Byrnes Irish Pub, Hudson's Tap House, The Empress Ale House and The Black Dog Freehouse.

Across the North Saskatchewan River, the nightlife is spread along and near Jasper Avenue. Popular spots include The Sherlock Holmes Pub, Elephant and Castle, The Rose and Crown Pub, Red Star Pub, Halo and The Common. The New City Likwid Lounge and The Starlite Room are among the establishments providing live music.

For family friendly fun, visit Sir Winston Churchill Square, where kids can splash in the City Hall fountain. The Square is home to the Art Gallery of Alberta, a work of art in itself thanks to its recent $88-million renovation. This summer's exhibits include M.C. Escher: The Mathemagician, and The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons, both opening June 19.

Greater Edmonton has more than 3,500 eateries and fare to please every taste and budget. Consider the chocolate buffet at the Sutton Place Hotel, a meal at Culina Highlands Restaurant featuring local ingredients, a treat from the Duchess Bake Shop, or anything at Famoso Pizza. Or simply sip tea at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald and take in the breathtaking view.

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